SISTERS IN LATER LIFE - CHANGES IN CONTACT AND AVAILABILITY

The strongest of sibling bonds is the relationship between sisters. Ho wever, researchers know little about how these relationships change ov er time. This study presents a longitudinal examination of structural and contact features of older, rural women's (N = 82) sibling networks . Also, sibling network variables were correlated with measures of sub jective well-being. Significant loss of siblings occurred over 12 year s. After controlling for proximity, frequency of contact between sibli ngs did not change. Although sisters predominated in sibling networks, proximate brothers were slightly more prevalent and had more frequent contact with the respondents. Associations between sibling variables and subjective well-being were not found. Siblings remain active in th e kin networks of women into late old age.